Canada M17 names 24-player roster for Florida camp

Canada’s Men’s U-17 Team has announced its 24-player roster for an upcoming training camp in Sunrise, FL that will run from 2 to 12 August as the team continues its preparations for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup to take place in UAE in October and November.

Head Coach Sean Fleming has invited five players that were not part of the team’s medal-winning CONCACAF qualification campaign in Panama in April into the camp as he looks to ensure that Canada takes the strongest squad possible to its second consecutive U-17 World Cup.

“When I left the players in Panama I told them that I have a responsibility to do everything I can to make this team as strong as it can possibly be,” said Fleming ahead of the team’s departure to Florida.

“We have looked across the country and at Canadian players around the world who might be able to come in and add something to this group.”

“This camp is a great opportunity for the players who are already in the team to show that they deserve to keep their places – and it is also a great chance for the new players to stake their claim to being part of this team heading towards the FIFA U-17 World Cup,” added Fleming.

“We are definitely looking to create competition for spots on this team. That is important to us.

“There are players that will not be at the camp in Florida that could still come into the view for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and we have healthy competition for the players across the board.”

The Canadian U-17’s will take part in a three-match exhibition schedule against local academy teams during the camp in Florida.

Following the August training camp the team will also gather for time together in Mexico in September and a pre-tournament camp in UAE in October.